Question 1

A 70-kg healthy adult male has a total body water volume of approximately 40 L. Based on the distribution of body fluids, how much of this water is found within the intracellular compartment?

Accepted Answer

25 L

Question 2

Which of the following best explains why elderly individuals are at greater risk for dehydration compared to younger adults?

Accepted Answer

They have a higher percentage of body fat, which contains less water.

Question 3

Which hormone is released from the atrial wall of the heart in response to increased blood volume and acts as a diuretic by increasing sodium and water loss in urine?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH)

Question 4

A patient is given a massive infusion of sodium-free intravenous solution. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Question 5

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which the body regulates the total volume of body water?

Accepted Answer

Adjusting fluid output, mainly through urine volume

Question 6

A patient presents with muscle weakness, diminished reflexes, and cardiac arrhythmias. Laboratory results show a blood calcium level of 12 mg/dL. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hypercalcemia

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the effect of increased capillary blood pressure on fluid movement?

Accepted Answer

It transfers fluid from the blood to the interstitial fluid.

Question 8

A marathon runner collapses after a race and is found to have confusion, headache, and seizures. Laboratory tests reveal a blood sodium level of 130 mEq/L. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia due to excessive water intake

Question 9

Which of the following is a major cation found in the intracellular fluid compartment?

Accepted Answer

Potassium (K+)

Question 10

A patient with severe burns develops muscle paralysis and cardiac arrest. Laboratory results show a blood potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which condition is present?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in fluid balance?

Accepted Answer

ADH decreases urine volume by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios is most likely to result in pitting edema?

Accepted Answer

Retention of sodium in the extracellular fluid

Question 13

A patient is fasting and abusing diuretics. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to develop, and what is a possible cardiac consequence?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia; cardiac dysrhythmia

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why water intoxication can be life-threatening?

Accepted Answer

It leads to neurological impairment due to electrolyte imbalance.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a typical source of daily water intake?

Accepted Answer

Water absorbed through the skin

Question 16

A patient with pancreatitis develops muscle cramping, twitching, and hyperactive reflexes. Laboratory results show a blood calcium level of 7.8 mg/dL. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between an electrolyte and a nonelectrolyte?

Accepted Answer

Electrolytes dissociate into ions in water, while nonelectrolytes do not.

Question 18

Which of the following is the largest volume of body fluid in a healthy adult male?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular fluid

Question 19

A patient with congestive heart failure develops swelling in the lower legs. Pressing on the swollen area leaves a depression that does not rapidly refill. What is this condition called?

Accepted Answer

Pitting edema

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the feedback mechanism that regulates fluid intake when total body water decreases?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptors detect decreased ECF volume, triggering the hypothalamus to induce thirst.

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: Structure, Regulation, and Clinical Significance

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